The new system will support ABP by providing the duty Marine Officer with navigational information such as vessel position and movements, timings and speed. The VTS also collects and records data to support ABP, as the Statutory Harbour Authority, in maintaining emergency procedures/contingency plans and reporting and investigating oil pollution incidents. The system complies with the IALA VTS Guidelines, all applicable IMO conventions including SOLAS Chapter 2, Regulation 8-2, and takes full account of the Port Marine Safety Code.

The system will seamlessly integrate all four radars and data from the Port of Bristol's VTS, meaning ABP will be able to work with the Port of Bristol Authority in providing a comprehensive service to all users in Swansea Bay and on the Severn Estuary from Nash Point to the second Severn Crossing.

It will include dual Zetron touch screen VHF control systems, eight CCTV cameras located in each of the ports which will be controlled centrally from Cardiff, two VTS Slave Displays, a VTS data management database, VHF/telephone recording equipment, and full independent data recording and playback capability.

In addition to the standard Operator/Maintainer training that will be provided, ABP will use Transas' marine simulator suite in Portsmouth to provide comprehensive training for VTS operators, pilots, tug operators and port personnel.

The suite comprises two navigation and pilotage bridge simulators along with a VTS and GMDSS communications module. ABP personnel will be able to review and refine pilotage procedures, exercise emergency procedures in different conditions, practice manoeuvring and anchoring different types of vessels, practice VTS team management and pilot/VTS interaction amongst the many options.

MJInformation No: 18731